A Failure of Leadership: Trump’s Assault on Public Data

Since the start of Trump 2.0, at least 28 federal datasets have been deleted outright, while another 338 have been modified across more than 60 federal agencies. The changes affect critical information about health, the environment, labor, and law enforcement.

Health data accounts for roughly 40% of these changes, including CDC systems that track violent deaths, pregnancy risks, and HIV infections.

At least four health datasets have stopped updating entirely. Among them is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), which tracks drug-related emergency room visits in near real time.

That information provided an early warning when overdose patterns began to change, allowing communities, healthcare providers, and emergency responders to act quickly.

When government stops collecting data, the problems don’t disappear, they become harder to see.

Reliable data isn't a luxury. It is the foundation for effective public health, environmental protection, emergency response, and sound public policy.

Deleting or disabling these datasets doesn't make America safer or healthier. It makes us less informed, less prepared, and less able to protect our communities.